NISE Maps 102 GW Floating Solar Potential Across India, Opening New Path For Clean Energy Growth – Report

The National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), operating under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), has released a major report highlighting India’s vast floating solar power potential. The study comes at a time when the country is rapidly expanding its renewable energy capacity but faces increasing challenges in acquiring large areas of land for conventional solar power projects. Floating solar technology is emerging as a practical alternative, as it allows solar panels to be installed on the surfaces of lakes, reservoirs, irrigation tanks, and other water bodies without competing for valuable land resources.

According to the report, India has an estimated floating solar photovoltaic potential of 102.18 GWp. This assessment was carried out using advanced geospatial analysis and scientific evaluation of water bodies across the country. NISE adopted a detailed methodology to ensure that only suitable locations were included in the estimate. Water bodies selected for the assessment were required to maintain water availability for at least 11 months every year and have depths ranging from 3 to 30 meters. These conditions help ensure the technical and mechanical stability of floating solar installations.

The study also considered solar radiation levels, selecting only areas that receive sufficient sunlight for efficient power generation. In addition, practical factors such as accessibility and grid connectivity were taken into account. Only water bodies located within 10 kilometers of existing roads and electrical substations were considered suitable. To protect aquatic ecosystems and maintain environmental balance, the assessment limited solar panel coverage to a maximum of 20 percent of the surface area of each water body.

The report shows that the potential for floating solar power is unevenly distributed across the country. Maharashtra has the highest estimated capacity at 16.28 GWp, followed by Madhya Pradesh with 14.89 GWp. Together, these two states contribute nearly one-third of the total national potential, largely due to their extensive networks of reservoirs, irrigation projects, and dams. Karnataka ranks next with 13.69 GWp, while Odisha and Telangana have estimated potentials of 12.81 GWp and 10.72 GWp, respectively. In contrast, the Himalayan and northeastern regions have relatively lower potential because of geographical limitations, smaller water bodies, and environmental constraints.

Apart from generating clean electricity, floating solar systems offer several environmental and operational advantages. The cooling effect of water helps reduce panel temperatures, improving energy generation efficiency and increasing annual electricity output by an estimated 5 to 10 percent compared to ground-mounted systems. Floating solar installations can also reduce water evaporation by blocking direct sunlight, potentially saving 30 to 60 percent of water losses. In addition, they help control the growth of harmful algae in reservoirs and lakes.

The report also highlights the benefits of combining floating solar projects with existing hydropower facilities. Such hybrid systems can generate solar electricity during daylight hours while conserving water for hydropower generation at night. Although floating solar projects generally require about 25 percent higher initial investment due to specialized floating structures and anchoring systems, the long-term benefits from land savings, improved efficiency, and water conservation make them an attractive option. NISE’s assessment provides a valuable roadmap for policymakers, developers, and investors looking to accelerate India’s clean energy transition.